How To Effectively Use Mirrors In Home Decoration?

When most people think about mirrors, their first thought is a bathroom mirror used for shaving and preparing hair and makeup. Perhaps these same people think of a larger mirror on the bedroom dresser that is used for similar purposes, usually for getting dressed for a special occasion.

But there are a few more creative ways to use mirrors and reflective surfaces, in ways that may be less practical but can contribute to the appearance and feel of a home. One of the most basic uses for mirrors in decorating a home is to add the feeling of space and light to a room that is just a bit too dark. In fact, the latter use is considered a major decorating idea for many home owners.

As a way to begin, take a survey of the room or other living space you are going to decorate. Try to determine if the natural light and lamps will provide the lighting needed for the room’s purpose. If there seems to be something missing, you may be able to employ one or more mirrors in carefully selected locations to lighten the room by reflecting available light in another direction.

It may not be necessary to go to a retail store for expensive, framed mirrors if you are on a tight budget. People often find just the mirrors they need at yard/garage sales, antique and collectible stores and even in some flea markets. You may have to add a nice frame to make the mirror work correctly with the furniture and other items in the room, but this shouldn’t add too much to the cost of using mirrors in home decoration.

You will need a few basic tools to hang mirrors: hammer, small nails, a measuring tape and perhaps some way of checking to see that the mirrors are level. Hardware stores and home-decorating stores now carry a wide variety of hanging clips, wire and other devices that are perfecting for locating mirrors in the room. (Don’t hesitate to place mirrors in places other than on the walls. Some mirrors will work very well on a stand if the placement is right.

A large, full-length mirror is commonly used on a door and has a very practical use, but it is also possible to find another place for these longer mirrors- as a decorating item. One of the methods for giving the room a feeling of more space than is actually there is: placing mirrors directly opposite each other. This gives the impression of expanding the room.

There are a few other great ideas for mirror use in home decorating as well. If you have a favorite work of art, hang a mirror opposite the art to give it additional presence in the room. If your dining room is small and seems a bit cramped, a larger oval mirror above the buffet or low china cabinet will create the sense of additional space. Try other creative ideas, such as using small mirrors in the kitchen. If reflective surfaces are placed carefully they will add nice touches to any room.

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